Victoria, Seychelles | Monday 30^th October 2024 – by: Tresa Bastienne

During World Food Week, celebrated from October 16th to 20th, various homes for seniors nationwide undertook educational sessions focused on the benefits of incorporating fish into their diets. The Product Development and Quality Assurance (PDQA) Department of the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) collaborated with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, along with the Elderly & Disabled Division of the Family Department, to conduct training sessions for seniors and their caregivers.

These sessions, held at the PDQA lab, emphasized the nutritional advantages of fish as a protein source, highlighting its absence of preservatives. Participants received hands-on instruction, learning economical and straightforward methods for preparing fish, including the preparation of fish croquettes. The sessions primarily focused on triggerfish, noted for its nutritious qualities and versatility.

This initiative supports the PDQA’s objective to promote fish as a healthier protein option while increasing awareness of its benefits. At the conclusion of the training, participants gained knowledge and skills applicable to their cooking.

In addition to the training, The PDQA Department further contributed by donating fish burgers to elderly homes. A total of 1,104 pieces of job fish were processed into 276 packets of burgers, with each packet containing four burgers.

Apart from the fish burgers by SFA, the Department of Fisheries also organized donations of vegetables and bread to support the initiative. Contributions came from farmers Jose Pool, Jude Brown, and Jack Matombe for the vegetables, and Pon Waye Bakery, which donated 100 hamburger buns.

The donations were presented in an official ceremony that occurred at the English River Home for the Elders. During the ceremony, the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean Francois Ferrari, addressed the importance of promoting local food sources. He recognized the efforts of fishermen and farmers responsible for providing fish for the burgers and the training, as well as fruits, and vegetables that were donated. All the donations were distributed across nine elderly homes nationwide.